ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approves temporary hiring of additional contractual staff in 51 high pressure ECHS polyclinics to cater to veterans and their dependents during COVID-19 surge
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved temporary hiring of additional contractual staff over and above the authorisation in 51 identified high pressure Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme  polyclinics across the country to tide over the current COVID-19 crisis. The contractual staff, including one each of Medical Officer, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacist, Driver and Chowkidar for identified ECHS polyclinics, will be hired through Station Headquarters for night duty, beyond normal working hours, for a period of three months.
The high pressure ECHS polyclinics to be covered are in Lucknow, Delhi Cantt , Bangalore , Dehradun, Kotputli, Amritsar, Meerut, Chandigarh, Jammu, New Delhi , Secunderabad, Agra, Ambala, Greater Noida, Gurdaspur, Pune, Trivandrum, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Gurgaon, Gurgaon , Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Chandimandir, Allahabad, Ghaziabad , Pathankot, Jodhpur, Ludhiana, Ropar, Tarantaran/Patti, Kolkata, Danapur , Khadki , Palampur, Bareilly, Kolhapur, Yol, South Pune , Vishakapatnam, Jaipur, Guntur, Barrackpore, Chennai, Gorakhpur, Patiala, Noida, Bhopal, Kochi, Vellore and Ranchi.
The move will ensure availability of immediate medical attention even during night hours to acute cases in these areas to the veterans and their dependents. The validity of this sanction is up to August 15, 2021.
Ministry of Defence
MAROON BERET CEREMONIAL PARADE AT GARUD REGIMENTAL TRAINING CENTRE AIR FORCE STATION CHANDINAGAR
To mark the successful completion of training of Air Force Special Forces 'Garud' Commandos, Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade was held on 03 Sep 2022 at Garud Regimental Training Centre , Air Force Station Chandinagar. Air Vice Marshal Rakesh Sinha AVSM Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Operations , Air Headquarters was the Chief Guest of the event. He reviewed the parade. Wing Commander Trilok Sharma, Commandant of Garud Regimental Training Centre received the Chief Guest.
The Chief Guest congratulated the Garuds on successful passing out from the Garud Regimental Training Centre. While addressing the young commandos, he emphasised the importance of training and honing of Special Forces skills to keep pace with the changing security scenario. He presented Maroon Beret, Garud Proficiency Badge and Special Forces Tabs to the successful Garud trainees and gave away trophies to the meritorious passing out trainees. The best all-rounder trophy was presented to LAC Jondhale S Balasaheb.
As part of the ceremony, the 'Garuds' demonstrated Combat Firing Skill, Hostage Rescue, Firing Drill, Assault Explosives, Obstacle Crossing Drill, Wall Climbing, Slithering, Rappelling and Military Martial Arts.
The Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade is a moment of pride and achievement for the young Garuds passing out as it marks the culmination of a very demanding training; their transformation into 'Young Special Forces Operators' and joining the elite force to serve this country even at the cost of their life.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the revised air services agreement to be signed between India and Morocco. After the new Air Services Agreement comes into force, the existing Air Services Agreement of December, 2004 shall stand superseded.
Benefits:
The Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Morocco and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. It will provide enabling environment for enhanced and seamless connectivity while providing commercial opportunities to the carriers of both the sides ensuring greater safety and security.
Details:
Major features of the Agreement include:
i) Multiple designation of Airlines by each party;
ii) The designated Airline of each party can enter into cooperative marketing arrangements with the designated carriers of same party, other party and that of a third party;
iii) This agreement allows designated airlines of either countries to establish offices in the territory of other country for the promotion and sale of air services;
iv) The designated airlines of the both countries can operate any number of services to/from the six points specified in the Route Schedule to the ASA viz. Indian designated carriers can operate any number of services to/from Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir, Tangier and Fez in Morocco and similarly the designated carriers of Morocco can operate any number of services to/from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
v) Air Services Agreement also has the provisions relating to Revocation or Suspension of Operating Authorization, Principles governing operations of agreed services, commercial opportunities, safety and security related clause etc. that have been incorporated in line of Indian Model ASA.
Background:
Keeping in view of the growth in the civil aviation sector and also with a view to modernize and improve seamless air connectivity between the two sovereign nations, the existing Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco has been updated.
The existing Air Services Agreement between India and Morocco was signed in year 2004 and does not have the updated clauses on Safety, Security, Designation of Airlines, Commercial Activities, Tariffs etc. Besides, the provisions of Cooperative Marketing Arrangements which enable both sides to establish the code share on each other flights and also on the flights of 3rd country carriers are also not available in the present Air Services Agreement.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy accepts first batch of two MH-60r Multi Role Helicopters 
Indian Navy accepted the first two of its MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters  from US Navy in a ceremony held at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego on 16 Jul 21. The ceremony marked the formal transfer of these helicopters from US Navy to Indian Navy, which were accepted by His Excellency Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Ambassador to USA. The ceremony also witnessed exchange of helicopter documents between Vice Adm Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces, US Navy and Vice Adm Ravneet Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff , Indian Navy.
MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA is an all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state of the art avionics/ sensors. 24 of these helicopters are being procured under Foreign Military Sales from the US Government. The helicopters would also be modified with several India Unique Equipment and weapons.
The induction of these MRH would further enhance Indian Navy’s three dimensional capabilities. In order to exploit these potent helicopters, the first batch of Indian crew is presently undergoing training in USA.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condemns the Maoist attack in Sukma, Chhattisgarh
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi strongly condemned the Maoist attack in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. He paid tribute to the security personnel martyred in the attack and in a tweet he wrote, “Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for a quick recovery of those injured.”
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of ‘6.18% GS 2024’, Auction for Sale  of ‘GoI Floating Rate Bond 2031’, Auction for Sale  of ‘7.69% GS 2043’, and Auction for Sale  of ‘7.72% GS 2049’
The Government of India has announced the Sale  of  ‘6.18 per cent Government Stock, 2024’ for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘GoI Floating Rate Bonds, 2031’ for a notified amount of Rs 6,000 crore  through price based auction,  ‘7.69 per cent Government Stock, 2043’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore  through price based auction, and  ‘7.72 per cent Government Stock, 2049’ for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore  through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs 16,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on
December 27, 2019 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on December 27, 2019. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and
12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on December 27, 2019  and payment by successful bidders will be on December 30, 2019 .
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves procedure and mechanism for Strategic Disinvestment of the CPSEs – delegation thereof
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved delegation of the following to Alternative Mechanism in all the cases of Strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs where CCEA has given 'in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment:
 The quantum of shares to be transacted, mode of sale and final pricing of the transaction or lay down the principles/ guidelines for such pricing; and the selection of strategic partner/ buyer; terms and conditions of sale; and
 To decide on the proposals of CGD with regard the timing, price, the terms & conditions of sale, and any other related issue to the transaction.
This will facilitate quick decision-making and obviate the need for multiple instances of approval by CCEA for the same CPSE.
Ministry of Railways
High Speed Rail Corridors
Presently, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail is the only sanctioned High Speed Rail project in the Country being executed with technical & financial assistance of Government of Japan. The current status of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail  Project is as under:-
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- All Statutory Clearances relating to wildlife, Coastal Regulation Zone  and Forest clearance have been obtained.
- Out of total land requirement of approx. 1396 ha., about 1193 ha. Land has been acquired.
- The entire project has been divided into 27 Contract packages. At present, 12 packages have been awarded, 3 are under evaluation and Tenders has been invited for 4 packages.
- Out of total 352 KM length in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli , civil works in 342 KM length have started.
The anticipated cost increase and timeline can be fully ascertained only after completion of land acquisition and finalisation of all contracts.
Further, the Ministry of Railways  has decided to undertake survey and prepare the Detailed Project Report  for seven High Speed Rail Corridors as under:-
- Delhi - Varanasi.
- Delhi - Amritsar.
- Delhi - Ahmedabad.
- Mumbai - Nagpur.
- Mumbai - Hyderabad.
- Chennai - Bangalore - Mysore.
- Varanasi – Howrah.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Hanuman Jayanti
PM greets people on Hanuman Jayanti
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on Hanuman Jayanti.
“हनुमान जयंती की सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं," the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways extends time limit beyond six months for cancellation of PRS counter tickets and refund of fare across reservation counters for the journey period 21.03.2020 to 31.07.2020
This is applicable only for cancelled regular time tabled trains
Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the time limit beyond six months and upto nine months from the date of journey for cancellation of PRS counter tickets and refund of fare across reservation counters for the journey period 21.03.2020 to 31.07.2020. It is applicable only for regular time tabled trains cancelled by Railways. In case of ticket cancelled through 139 or through IRCTC website, the time limit for surrendering of such ticket for the above mentioned period across reservation counter upto nine months from the date of journey.
After lapse of six months from the date of journey, many passengers may have deposited the tickets to Claims Office of Zonal Railways through TDR or through general application along with original tickets, full refund of fare on such PRS counter tickets shall also be allowed for such passengers.
Earlier, comprehensive guidelines for cancellation of tickets and refund of fare, due to COVID-19 situation have been issued. As per instruction for trains cancelled by Railways, relaxation has been given for submission of PRS counter tickets upto six months from the date of journey  and in case the PRS counter tickets cancelled through 139 or through the website of IRCTC, refund across the counter upto six months from the date of journey.DJN
(Visitor Counter : 587
Ministry of Education
New National Education Policyemphasizes on continuous professional development  for improvement of skills of teachers – Education Minister
National Education Policy  2020 provides different timelines as well as principles and methodology for its implementation. Implementation is to be guided by the following principles:-
- Implementation of the spirit and intent of the Policy.
- Implementation in a phased manner.
- Prioritisation in ensuring optimal sequencing.
- Comprehensiveness
- Joint monitoring and collaborative implementation between the Centre and States.
- Timely infusion of requisite resources.
- Analysis and review of the linkages between multiple parallel steps.
National Education Policy2020,recommends training of Anganwadi workers/teachers in accordance with the NCERT’s curricular and pedagogical framework. It also advocates a 6-month certificate programme forAnganwadi workers/ECCE teachers with qualifications of 10+2 and above and a one-year diploma programme covering early literacy, numeracy, and other relevant aspects of ECCE to those with lower educational qualifications. These programmes may be run through digital/distance mode using DTH channels as well as smartphones, allowing teachers to acquire ECCE qualifications with minimal disruption to their current work. NEP also stresses on the State Governments to prepare cadres of professionally qualified educators for early childhood care and education, through stage-specific professional training, mentoring mechanisms, and career mapping.
NEP mentions various timelines for important themes and activities. For training of teachers, NEP emphasizes on continuous professional development  for improvement of skills of teachers and learning the latest innovations and advances in their professions through multiple modes, including in the form of local, regional, state, national, and international workshops as well as online teacher development modules. Each teacher is expected to participate in at least 50 hours of CPD opportunities every year for their own professional development, driven by their own interest, covering the latest pedagogies regarding foundational literacy and numeracy, formative and adaptive assessment of learning outcomes, competency-based learning, and related pedagogies, such as experiential learning, arts-integrated, sports-integrated, and storytelling-based approaches, etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Election Commission
Bye Elections to the Council of States from Kerala and West Bengal -reg.
There are two casual vacancies in the Council of States from Kerala and West Bengal as per details below: -
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State
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Name of Member
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Cause of vacancy
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Date of vacancy
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Term Up to
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Kerala
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Shri Jose K. Mani
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Resignation
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11.01.2021
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01.07.2024
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West Bengal
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Ms. Arpita Ghosh
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Resignation
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15.09.2021
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02.04.2026
2. The Commission vide Press Note No. ECI/PN/67/2021, dated 28.05.2021 had decided that due to outbreak of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country, it would not be appropriate to hold bye election to the Council of States from Kerala till the pandemic situation significantly improves and conditions become conducive to hold bye election to the Council of States from Kerala.
3. The Commission having re-assessed the situation in the State of Kerala and after taking into consideration all relevant facts, has now decided to conduct above-mentioned two bye elections to the Council of States from Kerala and West Bengal in accordance with the following programme: -
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S. No
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Events
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Dates
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Issue of Notifications
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09th November, 2021 
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Last date of making nominations
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16th November, 2021 
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Scrutiny of nominations
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17th November, 2021 
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Last date for withdrawal of candidatures
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22nd November, 2021 
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Date of Poll
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29th November, 2021 
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Hours of Poll
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09:00 am to 04:00 pm
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Counting of Votes
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29th November, 2021  at 05:00 pm
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Date before which election shall be completed
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01st December, 2021 
4. Broad Guidelines of Covid-19 as already issued by ECI as well as the recent guidelines issued by ECI as contained in para 06 of Press Note dated 28.09.2021 available at link https://eci.gov.in/candidate-political-parties/instructions-on-covid-19/. to be followed, wherever applicable, during entire election process for all persons.
5. The Chief Secretaries of States concerned are being directed to depute a senior officer from the State to ensure that the extant instructions regarding COVID-19 containment measures are complied with while making arrangements for conducting the election.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri on a Five-Day Official visit to US
Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the United States of America from December 02-07, 2018, at the invitation of Secretary of Defence James N Mattis. In Washington DC, she had a meeting with Secretary Mattis, who also hosted a dinner in her honour. Prior to the meeting, on her arrival at the Pentagon, she was received by Secretary Mattis and was accorded the Armed Forces Enhanced Honours Cordon welcome. During their meeting, discussions were held on the growing partnership between India and US in the defence sphere. Views were also exchanged on a broad range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. The Ministers reviewed ongoing initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and USA.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, building on the discussions and outcomes of the ‘2 + 2 Dialogue’ held in September 2018. Smt Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the steps taken by Government of India to promote defence sector manufacturing, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's ‘Make in India’ flag-ship programme.
Earlier on December 03, 2018, Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman visited the US Department of State, where she signed condolence book for former US President George HW Bush. She also paid respects at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' by laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial.
Following her engagements in Washington DC, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting Reno, today, where she will hold interactions with select leaders of Indian community in the US. Later, she will visit San Francisco where she would address a roundtable meeting at Stanford. She will also visit the Defence Innovation Unit  of the US Department of Defence and interact with start-ups and venture capitalists associated with this unit.
From December 5-7, 2018 Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman will visit Honolulu, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Command , recently renamed as INDO-PACOM. During the visit, she will hold meetings with Commander of INDO-PACOM, Admiral Philip S. Davidson. She will also visit Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, where she would board a US Guided Missile Destroyer and will be briefed on INDO-PACOM activities.
Ministry of Defence
DAC approves proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore to enhance operational capabilities of the Armed Forces
A Defence Acquisition Council  meeting, held under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity  for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore on August 24, 2023. To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare  Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under Buy  category which will enhance better survivability of Helicopters. The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited .
The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel & spares and casualty evacuation in the battle field.
Proposals for procurement of 7.62x51 mm Light Machine Gun  and Bridge Laying Tank  have also been given go ahead by the DAC. While induction of LMG will enhance fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of Mechanised Forces. The AoN for procurement of Ruggedised Laptops and Tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from Indigenous vendors only.
To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same.